Brian Holaway helping with hurricane relief

By Becky Uehling

The Grant Tribune-Sentinel

Former Grant resident Brian Holaway, who owns Captain Brian on the Water Guide Service on Captiva Island in Florida, is using his guide service resources to assist with the recovery efforts after Hurricane Ian ravaged the Southwest Coast of Florida near Fort Myers and Cape Coral on Wednesday, Sept. 28. 

With local help from Jerry Harms and Jennifer Tatum, donation boxes have popped up around Perkins County for residents who are interested in helping Holaway with the efforts he is putting forth to help with recovery. 

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, Holaway reported by phone that the hurricane has “devastated” the islands around Fort Myers, with many of the residents having to be evacuated. 

However, he said, one of the islands, Pine, still has residents on it who are trapped by high water. Holaway, along with other volunteers, are now trying desperately to get supplies to Pine for relief. 

Holaway’s family is also helping in the effort. His wife, Melanie, and daughter, Sage, are assisting in helping to raise money and find homes to relocate residents. 

On Tuesday, Holaway and a crew of about 10 were cleaning up a church to house supplies that will be taken to Pine Island, he said. 

He said he has so many people coming to him, wanting him to take them in his boat out to the islands so they can check on their property. However, he has chosen to not use his boat for his guiding service at this time, but strictly to help with recovery. 

“Getting supplies to the people is the most important thing right now,” he said, “not taking someone out to see if their house survived or not.”

Holaway said the entire area is a disaster, and, from what he can see, the government response is slow and spotty, with the community depending on each other for help.

Holaway thanks those who can give to his team’s efforts. Any donations for Holaway and the work he is doing can be taken to Pinnacle Bank in Grant.